Course Code GEE 373
Course Description Reading Visual Arts
Module No. and Title Module 1: Understanding Visual Arts
VISUAL ARTS
Visual arts refers to art forms that express their message, meaning, and emotion through visual
means. Visual arts may be categorized as decorative, commercial, or fine art, such as painting, photography, or
sculpture. Art is usually subjective and may be interpreted in various ways. Still, one commonality of all visual
art forms is to communicate visually, without the need for the other senses such as hearing or touch.
Visual Art refers to art forms that are primarily visual in nature, created to be experienced through
sight. These include a wide range of mediums and techniques, from traditional forms like painting and
sculpture to contemporary practices like photography, video art, and digital media. The purpose of visual art
is often to express ideas, emotions, or concepts, communicate messages, or simply evoke aesthetic
experiences.
The intent of visual art forms may be to visually please the viewer through an artwork that is
beautiful or calming. Some artworks aim to entertain the viewer through interesting or amusing images or as
a captivating visual story. The intent of other artwork may be to shock or disturb the viewer to provoke
thought and discussion on an important topic or pressing issue.
Characteristics of Visual Arts
1. Expressive: Visual art is often a form of self-expression, conveying emotions, ideas, or experiences.
Artists may use abstraction, symbolism, or realism to communicate their inner thoughts or social
commentary. One of the most powerful qualities of visual art is its ability to express complex ideas,
emotions, or personal experiences. This could range from representational or realistic art, which
mirrors the world, to abstract art, which focuses on emotions and concepts rather than direct
representation.
2. Aesthetic: It appeals to the sense of beauty and visual pleasure. The aesthetic qualities may vary,
from harmonious compositions in traditional works to provocative or experimental forms in
contemporary art. Visual art is designed to please the senses and evoke aesthetic responses. Whether
through color, composition, or form, art engages our visual perception, often drawing attention to
beauty, harmony, or interesting contrasts.
3. Interpretive: Visual art invites interpretation. The meaning behind the work can be subjective,
varying with the viewer’s perspective, cultural background, and context. Art is often open to
interpretation. The meaning of a piece can vary greatly depending on the viewer's perspective,
context, and personal experiences. Abstract art, for instance, leaves much more room for
interpretation than realism.
4. Cultural and Historical Reflection: Visual art often reflects the culture, values, and historical context
in which it was created. This can include symbolic representations, social commentary, or reactions to
historical events. Visual art often reflects the values, norms, and issues of the culture and time in
which it was created. It can serve as a historical document, providing insight into past societies, or as
a means of commenting on contemporary issues.
5. Innovative and Experimental: Contemporary visual art often challenges traditional forms and
embraces new media, technology, and interdisciplinary practices. Artists may experiment with
unconventional materials, techniques, or concepts. Many contemporary artists push the boundaries of
traditional visual art by experimenting with new materials, technologies, and media. Artists may
combine digital technology, performance, or conceptual art, creating work that is often
interdisciplinary and experimental.
6. Communicative: Like other forms of art, visual art is a means of communication. Whether it’s
conveying a narrative, evoking an emotional response, or raising awareness about an issue, visual art
is a powerful way to express ideas and provoke thought.
7. Universal: Art can transcend language and cultural barriers, offering a universal means of
communication. While the interpretation of an artwork may differ from person to person, its visual
nature allows it to be accessible to a wide audience. Despite cultural and individual differences, visual
art has a universal quality. Art can transcend language barriers and connect people on an emotional
level. It invites viewers to experience shared emotions, historical moments, or collective struggles.
Components of Visual Art
A. Medium/Materials
The materials or tools an artist uses to create a piece of visual art are critical because they influence
the final outcome, the feel of the work, and its ability to convey meaning. Here are some of the most
common mediums:
● Paints
Traditional painting mediums include oil paints, acrylics, watercolors, and tempera. Each type
of paint has distinct properties (e.g., oils dry slowly, allowing for detailed blending; acrylics
are faster-drying and versatile).
● Drawing materials
These include pencils, charcoal, pastels, inks, and markers. These materials are used for
two-dimensional works on paper, board, or canvas.
● Sculpture Materials
Artists create sculptures using materials like clay, stone, wood, metal, and modern materials
like resins or plastics. The choice of material impacts both the texture and permanence of the
work.
● Photography and Film
Both photography and video art are visual forms that capture moments, either in a realistic or
abstract way, and communicate through light, composition, and sometimes narrative.
● Digital Media
This includes digital painting, 3D modeling, and other forms created using computer
programs. Artists use digital tools to manipulate pixels, create animations, and design
interactive art experiences.
● Mixed Media
This is the combination of different materials and techniques within a single work. An
example is a collage where paper, fabric, and paint are layered together, or installations using
found objects combined with digital projections.
B. Elements of Art
These are the basic building blocks of any visual artwork. The way these elements are used,
combined, and arranged within a work determines its visual appeal and its capacity to convey
meaning.
● Line
The simplest and most fundamental element. Lines can be straight or curved, thick or thin,
long or short, and may define shapes or forms. Lines can be expressive (creating movement or
emotion) or precise (as in architectural drawings). Types of lines: Horizontal, vertical,
diagonal, curved, zigzag, or implied.
● Shape
Shape refers to the two-dimensional area defined by boundaries, often created by lines.
Shapes can be geometric (e.g., circles, squares, triangles) or organic (e.g., irregular, natural
forms like leaves or clouds). Shapes provide structure to the composition.
● Form
Unlike shape, which is flat, form adds the dimension of depth. Forms are three-dimensional
and occupy space, like sculptures or architectural objects. They can be either geometric (e.g.,
cubes, spheres) or organic (e.g., human figures, trees).
● Color
Color is one of the most influential elements in visual art, evoking emotion, creating mood,
and emphasizing particular parts of an artwork. Color is composed of:
a. Hue (the color itself, like red, blue, or yellow),
b. Saturation (the intensity or purity of the color),
c. Value (the lightness or darkness of the color).
Artists use color to create contrast, harmony, and emphasis, or to evoke certain emotional
responses. Color theory (the color wheel, complementary colors, analogous colors, etc.)
informs how colors interact in a composition.
● Texture
Texture refers to the surface quality of an artwork, either tactile (real texture that can be
physically felt) or visual (implied texture that creates the illusion of texture). For example, a
painting of a tree may appear rough, or a fabric might seem soft, though these are illusions.
● Space
Space refers to the area within or around an artwork. In two-dimensional art, it’s about how
the artist arranges shapes and objects. In three-dimensional art, space is literally the area the
sculpture occupies. Artists also play with positive and negative space:
a. Positive space: The area occupied by the subject or objects.
b. Negative space: The empty space around and between the subject matter.
● Value
Value refers to the lightness or darkness of a color or tone. It’s used to create contrast, depth,
and volume. For example, shadows in a painting or photograph create the illusion of depth
and three-dimensionality.
C. Principles of Design
The principles of design govern how the elements of art are organized and work together to create
harmony, balance, and emphasis within a composition.
● Balance
Refers to the distribution of visual weight within an artwork. Balance can be:
a. Symmetrical balance (formal balance), where elements are arranged equally on
either side of a central axis.
b. Asymmetrical balance (informal balance), where the elements are of different sizes,
shapes, or colors, but still visually balanced.
c. Radial balance, where elements radiate out from a central point (e.g., circular
patterns).
● Contrast
This refers to the difference between elements in an artwork. Contrast is often used to create
emphasis, make certain areas stand out, or convey a visual tension. For example, contrasting
light and dark values or complementary colors heighten the visual interest.
● Emphasis
Emphasis is about making one part of the artwork stand out as the focal point. This can be
achieved through color, contrast, size, placement, or isolation of an object or area.
● Movement
Movement refers to the way elements within an artwork lead the viewer’s eye from one point
to another. It could be literal (as in the depiction of motion) or implied (such as repeating
patterns or lines that create the suggestion of movement).
● Pattern
This involves the repetition of shapes, lines, colors, or textures in a regular arrangement.
Patterns can create rhythm and unity, and are often used in decorative arts and design.
● Rhythm
Similar to music, rhythm in visual art refers to the repetition of elements to create a sense of
organized movement. This could be through repeating shapes, colors, or directional lines that
give a piece a feeling of flow.
● Unity
Unity is the sense that everything in the artwork works together and feels connected. Artists
can achieve unity by using similar colors, shapes, or themes throughout the piece, creating a
cohesive experience.
Prepared by: Reviewed by: Recommending Approved:
Approval:
Joselito F. Palomar, Jr. Marlyn Quiming Ariel Y. Leonin Virgo C. Lopez
Faculty Dean - RPSEA Director for Curriculum VP for Academics
& Instruction
